Press Releases

On January 13th at the Morton EDC Annual Meeting, Mayor Norm Durflinger invited attendees to join the Morton EDC on a planned trip to China, scheduled for October 4 - 12 of 2012.  “You may never have the chance to take this type of trip again for this price,” said Durflinger as scrolled invitations were distributed to the crowd of over 100. 

The Morton Economic Development Council recognized Jean Ann and Gordon Honegger as their 2011 Morton Venture Award Winner during their Annual Meeting held on January 13th.  The award was presented by Bill Morton, last year’s Venture Award winner.  “It is an honor to recognize two such deserving people,” said Morton.

Today, the Morton Economic Development Council announced Warren Ribley will be the keynote speaker at their Annual Meeting and luncheon this Friday. Governor Pat Quinn appointed Warren Ribley as Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in March 2009.

Today, Soderstrom Dermatology Center announced that they will build a new 7,500 sq ft building in Morton to serve the Peoria, Morton, East Peoria, Washington and Pekin areas.  The facility will offer dermatology and plastics services and a beautiful new, expanded, full service day spa.  The new facility will be built at 410 Maxine Drive and is scheduled to open July 1, 2012.

Today, the Morton Economic Development Council and the Morton Business District Commission announced three new financing programs for local small businesses. “We have been working diligently over the past year to develop several financing tools to assist Morton businesses,” said Jennifer Daly, CEO for the Morton EDC. “Hopefully these three programs will provide some needed assistance.”

Mayor Norm Durlfinger was recently featured in a Forbes article highlighting his trip with Illinois Governor Pat Quinn to China.  Forbes Story:  http://www.forbes.com/sites/russellflannery/2011/09/29/on-the-front-line-in-china-illinois-village-builds-on-caterpillars-ties/

Morton, IL – August 31, 2011 – Today, the Morton Economic Development Council announced that Mayor Norm Durflinger will travel to China next month with Governor Pat Quinn.  “I am honored to have been invited by Governor Quinn on this important trade mission,” said Mayor Durflinger.  “My only regret is missing several days of the Morton Pumpkin Festival.  I wouldn’t miss the festival unless I needed to do something this important for Morton.”

At the Illinois Development Council’s conference last month, Kim Uhlig, Business Development Director for the Morton EDC was elected Chairman of the Board for the upcoming year.  “I am honored to serve with the other members of this outstanding organization,” said Uhlig.  “This will be an important year for economic development in Illinois and I know we can make a difference through IDC.”

Morton, IL, July 21, 2011 – Today, Mike Minesinger, Owner of Alwan Pharmacy & Compounding Center, announced a second location of the popular West Peoria pharmacy will be built in Morton, Illinois.  The pharmacy will be located in a new building that will be constructed near OSF Prompt Care this fall. 

Last month the Village Board approved a Morton Tourism Association grant application for the Morton EDC to enter into an agreement with Leisure and Recreation Concepts (LARC) to perform a Feasibility Study for an Indoor Family Entertainment and Waterpark concept.  “According to the Peoria CVB, one of the primary items tourists are looking for in the Peoria Area is a hotel with an indoor family entertainment component,” said Jennifer Daly, CEO for the Morton EDC.  “With big attractions like the new museum complex and Bass Pro opening in such a close proximity to our community, tourism is lik